Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 243-254 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 249 6.2 Lessons learned from failures or challenges Despite the successful implementation of the B5 and B7 programs, Malaysia faces several challenges in its biodiesel sector. The fluctuation in crude palm oil prices, low domestic usage of palm oil, and vehicle warranty issues have hindered the full-scale implementation of the B10 program. These challenges highlight the need for targeted efforts to improve palm oil productivity and promote biodiesel through specific agencies (Zulqarnain et al., 2020). Additionally, the environmental impact of palm oil cultivation, such as deforestation and habitat loss, has raised concerns that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable biodiesel production (Dey et al., 2020). Indonesia's palm oil biodiesel program, while successful in some aspects, has faced criticism due to its environmental externalities, particularly during land preparation and restoration. The EROI of 3.92, although positive, has been categorized as "not feasible for development" compared to other renewable energy sources, indicating the need for significant improvements in the biofuel program (Prananta and Kubiszewski, 2021). The environmental performance of palm oil biodiesel production in Indonesia has also been a concern, with the oil palm plantation processing unit being the primary contributor to the carbon footprint, human health damage, and ecosystem diversity damage (Wahyono et al., 2020) (Table 1). These challenges underscore the importance of implementing more stringent environmental policies and improving the sustainability of palm oil biodiesel production. Other Asian countries, such as Thailand, have also faced challenges in biodiesel production. High feedstock costs, insufficient feedstocks, high viscosity of biodiesel, and high nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have limited the widespread use of biodiesel compared to petrodiesel. These issues suggest the need for exploring alternative resources and improving the economic performance and yield production rate of biodiesel (Syafiuddin et al., 2020). The debate on the usage of palm oil as food versus fuel further complicates the situation, necessitating extensive studies to utilize by-products and mill effluent as raw materials for biodiesel production (Zahan and Kano, 2018). In conclusion, while Malaysia and Indonesia have demonstrated successful implementations of palm oil biodiesel, they also face significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability and scalability of biodiesel production. Lessons learned from these challenges can guide future efforts in improving biodiesel policies, strategies, and environmental performance. 7 Challenges and Opportunities 7.1 Technical challenges in biodiesel production One of the primary technical challenges in biodiesel production is feedstock variability. The quality and characteristics of feedstocks such as palm oil can vary significantly, affecting the efficiency and consistency of the biodiesel production process. For instance, the high viscosity of biodiesel derived from palm oil can pose challenges in its use and processing (Syafiuddin et al., 2020). Additionally, the presence of impurities in the feedstock can lead to issues in the transesterification process, which is crucial for biodiesel production (Ishola et al., 2020). Process optimization is another significant technical challenge. The transesterification process, which involves converting oils into biodiesel, requires precise control of various parameters such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst concentration to achieve high yields and quality (Lam and Lee, 2019). Innovations in processing technologies, such as the use of supercritical and microwave-assisted transesterification methods, have been suggested to improve efficiency and reduce costs (Zulqarnain et al., 2021). However, these technologies need further development and scaling to be viable for large-scale production. 7.2 Socio-economic challenges The socio-economic challenges associated with biodiesel production from palm oil are multifaceted. Land use conflicts are a major concern, as the expansion of palm oil plantations often leads to deforestation and displacement of local communities. This not only affects biodiversity but also raises ethical and social issues (Dey et al., 2020). The competition for land between food and fuel production exacerbates these conflicts, as the same land resources are needed for both purposes (Souza et al., 2018).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==